The best turkey burger recipe with lean ground turkey and plenty of spices and flavorings. In my opinion, these turkey burgers are just as delicious as their beef counterparts, and they take just minutes to make!
I use ground turkey a lot in cooking, it’s a versatile and healthy protein option. My favorite recipes that include ground turkey are slow cooker turkey chili, turkey meatballs, and these fabulous turkey burgers.
I love a big juicy hamburger, but when I’m looking for a delicious burger that’s on the lighter side, I turn to these turkey burgers. They’re tender, juicy and loaded with flavor. You won’t miss the beef, I promise!
How do you make turkey burgers?
This recipe starts with lean ground turkey, which is mixed with breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, egg, Worcestershire sauce and spices. The turkey mixture is formed into patties, then is cooked either on the grill or in a pan on the stove. Place your turkey burgers onto buns with an assortment of toppings, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for turkey burgers
- Be sure to use 93% lean ground turkey, which is a mix of dark and white meat. I’d avoid the 99% lean ground turkey breast because it’s much more likely to dry out.
- Your turkey mixture can be prepared up to 6 hours before you plan to cook it.
- Serve your burgers with plenty of toppings, I like to use lettuce, tomato, avocado and red onion.
- You can melt sliced cheese on top of the burgers during the last 5 minutes of the cooking process.
How do you know if a turkey burger is done?
Ground turkey is cooked through when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the burger registers at least 165 degrees F. You can also cut into the burger to check to see if it’s done; for a turkey burger, there should be no pink remaining inside.
Is a turkey burger healthier than a hamburger?
The answer to this question depends on what type of ground beef you’re comparing your ground turkey to. Many burgers are made with chuck, which is 80% lean. In this case, the turkey burger would be the healthier choice because it’s lower in fat and calories. That being said, if you use an extra lean ground beef (93% lean), it will have a similar nutritional profile to the ground turkey.
How do you keep turkey burgers from sticking to the grill?
If you’re using an outdoor grill, you’ll want to take care to make sure that your burgers do not stick to the grates.
- Make sure your grill grates are super clean. If there are bits of old food left on the grilling surface, the burgers will be more likely to stick.
- Coat your grill grates with vegetable oil before you place the burgers on the grill. You should also add a little extra oil to the surface of your burgers for added insurance that they will not stick.
- Make sure your grill is pre-heated before you add the burgers
My husband has proclaimed this recipe to be the best turkey burger he’s ever had, and I have to agree with him. They’re fresh, light and packed with flavor!
MORE GRILLING RECIPES
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- Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
- Pork and Pineapple Kabobs
Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs I use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 hamburger buns
- assorted toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado and red onion
Instructions
- Place the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and parsley in a bowl. Stir to combine.
- Shape the meat mixture into 4 patties. Brush the vegetable oil all over the patties.
- Preheat an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan or skillet on the stove to medium high heat.
- Add the burgers and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until completely cooked through.
- Place the burgers on the buns, add toppings as desired, then serve.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on June 25, 2015 and was updated June 18, 2019 with new content.
Taylor Kiser says
I love a good turkey burger! And those purple potatoes are the perfect side!
Kate says
This looks just delicious! Making this tonight can’t wait!
Anita @ Daily Cooking Questa says
My parents are coming to celebrate the 4th with us. This turkey burger will be perfect for Mom who doesn’t each much beef. 🙂
Erika says
I love the colors on this burger. It is really delicious! I bet this burger would also be good with a little BBQ sauce.
Laura @ Petite Allergy Treats says
What a fun and creative way to celebrate in style! I love the natural color of the chips too!
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
I love the added purple potatoes…super festive!
Diane says
I love this idea. the purple potato chips are genius! This looks like a fun way to celebrate the Fourth and keep going with it all summer! My family will be all over this recipe!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says
Wow, this burger looks amazing. I love the toppings that you added. The fresh mozzarella is such a yummy addition. Great pictures!
Ashleigh says
How fun are those purple potatoes?! I can’t wait to try these burgers! They look amazing…thank you for sharing!!
Itziar says
This is a great 4th of July idea!
Michelle | A Latte Food says
Oh my goodness, I love this! The blue potato chip addition is so creative–I’m seriously in awe right now!
Sara says
Thanks Michelle, it just popped into my head one day to use them!
Susan | LunaCafe says
LOL! What a fun idea. These red, white and blue burgers are the stuff memories are made of. 🙂
Sara says
Thanks Susan, hope you have a great 4th!
Healing Tomato says
Now that is what I call a DELICIOUS burger. I love the color theme and it is perfect for 4th of July.
Sara says
Thanks Rini, I figure what’s more American than a hamburger right? Or a veggie burger 🙂
Christina says
Thank you for sharing. I was actually looking for something to make on the 4th. Looks great!
Sara says
Thanks Christina, it’s definitely a crowd pleaser!
Bethany says
I love purple potatoes! So yummy, pretty, and good for you!
Sara says
I didn’t even think of the health factor, they probably are healthier with that bright color!
Nibbles By Nic says
Patriotic and delicious all in one! The chips on top are a fab idea…gorgeous pictures too!!!
Sara says
Thanks for the compliment Nic!
Amanda @ The Chunky Chef says
I LOVE this burger!! The purple (blue) potatoes really set it off, great job 😀
Sara says
Thanks Amanda! I don’t know what to call it either, technically they’re purple potatoes but they bake up blue so I guess they’re a little of both!
Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog says
So pretty! Perfect for a barbecue for the holiday. I love the creativity.
Sara says
Thanks Miranda, hope you have a very happy 4th of July!
Byron Thomas says
Looks yummy! I love the purple potato chips!
Sara says
Thanks Byron, they taste as good as they look!
Olivia @ livforcake says
Love this combo! Looks delicious.
Sara says
Thanks Olivia! Now if only I can incorporate red, white and blue into the rest of my 4th of July meal 🙂